Shrimp Caesar Salad

Few recipes are more classic (or beloved) than Caesar salad. Its dressing is perfection: garlicky, lemony, creamy. Romaine lettuce leaves hold the dressing without going limp, while a showering of Parmesan cheese adds a rich finishing touch of umami. Caesar salad is a staple steakhouse side dish, yet it’s also easy to make at home. Making it at home gives you plenty of space to be creative, as with this decadent shrimp Caesar salad.

The addition of crispy shrimp makes this salad hearty enough to serve for lunch or dinner, though it still makes an excellent appetizer for special occasions. This salad uses a sneaky shortcut: bottled dressing to offset the extra effort of making shrimp. So grab your salad tongs—it’s time to make Caesar salad with shrimp!

Ingredients for Shrimp Caesar Salad

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• Lettuce: Romaine lettuce is traditionally used in Caesar salad. Its leaves are substantial enough to stand up to the rich dressing, and the thick ribs provide excellent crunch. You may make this salad with other types of lettuce if you prefer, including store-bought mixed greens. Look for heartier leaves, such as kale or spinach.
• Shrimp: The star of this salad is crispy shrimp! You may use any type of shrimp you can find at the store, including frozen. You may need clean the shrimp as well as devein them, which is simple to do. You can save time if you buy precooked shrimp—just know they won’t be as crispy.
• Flour: A simple breading of flour, salt and pepper coats the raw shrimp before they head into the fryer. All-purpose flour works just fine here, but you may also use a gluten-free flour mix or plain cornstarch if you prefer.
• Dressing: This simple salad recipe saves time by using bottled salad dressing. Use any brand or type you prefer.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the romaine, tomatoes and cheese. Refrigerate until serving.

Editor’s Tip: You may do this step up to one day ahead of time. Cover the bowl with storage wrap, and store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Step 2: Fry the shrimp

In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt and pepper. Add the shrimp, a few pieces at a time, and toss to coat. Shake off excess flour mix.

In a deep skillet, heat 1/4 inch oil to 375°F. Fry the shrimp, a few at a time, cooking for one to two minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re just learning how to deep-fry, remember: Overcrowding the skillet will cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in less-crispy fried food.

Step 3: Drizzle and toss

Drizzle the dressing over the romaine mixture, and toss to coat. Top with the shrimp. If desired, sprinkle with additional cheese and pepper. Serve immediately.

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Shrimp Caesar Salad Variations

• Make homemade Caesar dressing: You really can’t beat the lively taste of a homemade Caesar salad dressing. As a bonus, making your own salad dressing allows you to adjust the ingredients. For instance, you can swap the anchovies with olives or add extra hot sauce for a kick.
• Skip the fryer: If you don’t care to deep-fry, cook the shrimp any other way you choose. Grilled shrimp, sauteed garlic butter shrimp, air-fryer breaded shrimp or our better-than-fried shrimp would taste delightful.
• Make croutons: Add a hearty crunch by tossing some croutons onto the salad. You can use store-bought, but learning how to make croutons at home couldn’t be easier.
• Season the shrimp: The crispy shrimp in this recipe have a simple seasoning, but Caesar salad dressing actually pairs well with a huge range of spices and flavors. Try Cajun or Old Bay seasoning on your shrimp for some added pizzazz.
• Change up the vegetables: A classic Caesar salad doesn’t usually call for any vegetables other than the romaine lettuce, but we added tomatoes because they’re tasty. Go ahead and add anything you like, from shredded carrots or cabbage to crunchy peppers and celery.

How to Store Shrimp Caesar Salad

Once tossed in dressing, salad doesn’t keep very well because the lettuce quickly gets soggy and wilted. The best way to store leftover shrimp Caesar salad is to keep each element separated, each in its own airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover fried shrimp will keep up to two days in the fridge, while salad greens will keep for up to four days.

Shrimp Caesar Salad Tips

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How can you avoid overcooking shrimp?

When cooking shrimp, it’s crucial not to overdo it, which can make delicate shrimp turn tough. Shrimp are cooked as soon as they turn opaque, which takes only a few minutes. For this recipe, it’s trickier to see the shrimp, but they will cook in the time it takes for the breading to turn golden brown.

What else can you serve with shrimp Caesar salad?

Shrimp Caesar salad can be a delicious lunch or light dinner, especially served with a loaf of crusty homemade bread. Make it a heartier meal by serving alongside a cold sandwich or bowl of soup. You can also serve it as a side salad with a special-occasion dinner such as steak or pasta.